Rustenburg Illegal Cigarette Bust
The two suspects were arrested at the Rhenosterfontein farm in Rustenburg after police got a tip-off about illegal cigarettes at the farm. The accused, Mkamlia Mlayo (37) and Ejuaz Ahmed (34) were granted R1000.00 bail after their appearance before the court on 19 August 2013.
Police were performing duties as part of Operation Platinum Belt in line with the strategies of the Mine Crime Combating Forum (MCCF) that was launched last week Wednesday when they got information regarding illegal cigarettes at Rhenosterfontein. The police responded to the information promptly where upon arrival they found cigarettes being off loaded from the truck onto another truck and a pickup truck. The suspects ran away upon seeing the police, but were caught.
A total of 995 boxes, each containing 50 cartons to the estimated value of R13 million (Thirteen million Rand) were found in the vehicles. The case has been postponed until 18 October 2013.
The success followed the successful policing of Marikana Commemoration on Friday last week whereby 100 traditional weapons were confiscated from people who were on a bus from Impala Platinum which was on route to Marikana for commemoration. The operations will continue in an effort to curb criminal activities around Mines and surrounding areas through partnership with MCCF stakeholders, partners and the broader communities.
